Entertainment

YouTube Slam: Make Your Own Video Duels, Share Them in Google+ Hangouts

YouTube Slam, a 3-month-old interactive video-discovery tool that randomly spits out two videos at a time for one-on-one battles, now allows users to craft their own matchups — and share them in Google+ Hangouts.

As previously, public voting determines each duel's winner. Friday's update adds a fun layer to YouTube Slam, which Google describes as a "place for discovering talented amateur singers, the most adorable clips and the craziest videos on YouTube."

Users have cast more than a million votes since Slam launched in December.

Now those users can take the reins and create "Slams" with their playlists. It's simple: go here, then click on the "Create Slam" button that appears next to each playlist.

Playlists with more than two videos will feature rounds of duels instead of just one head-to-head battle.

"When you click 'Play Slam' you’ll be taken into your game, and we’ll show the highest scoring videos and players on the leaderboard page of your Slam," the company said in a blog post Friday.

Another new feature lets you play custom or existing Slams live with friends inside a Google+ Hangout. To do so, click the “Play Slam with your friends” link.

Interested only in discovering new videos and not creating Slams? You can still browse Slam's five category pages: bizarre, comedy, cute, dance and music.

What do you think of YouTube Slam and its new interactive features? Let us know in the comments.

BONUS: 7 Best Interactive YouTube Videos

7 Best Interactive YouTube Videos

1. Mad Men: The Game

In anticipation of the hit show's fifth season, the Fine Brothers released this 8-bit game on March 21. Its main appeal is in the multitude of inside jokes for those familiar with the show (my personal favorite is when Don and Pete are racing to Cooper's office and they dodge a secretary riding a John Deere ride-on mower).

Warning: There are numerous spoilers, so if you haven't watched the first four seasons, we don't advise playing it just yet.

2. Saved by the Bell Interactive Game

The Fine Brothers are definitely the masters of modern-day 8-bit. Relive the '90s at Bayside High by playing as the iconic Zack Morris, who needs to help his friends with their typical teen problems. And, of course, the humorous writing is impeccable.

3. Angry Birds Real Life - Interactive 3D Animated Film

The mobile game that millions play has made its foray into real life in this live-action video, which is part short film, part game. You can choose the players, both of whom need your help to win.

4. International Man of Dance: Has Rosetta Stone Created a Global Superstar?

Rosetta Stone, the language-learning software giant, apparently has a new International Man of Dance. His New Year's resolution? To master the art of movement, and only you can help. You can choose his outfit, his dance and the background music. There are plenty of possibilities, like dancing the salsa to Russian folk music in Korean pop gear.

5. Luigi's Mansion Interactive Adventure Game!

Poor Luigi isn't as bright as his star brother -- that's why they called it Super Mario Bros., not Luigi Bros. But he's the main character in this interactive adventure, in which you lead Luigi past his poor decisions (or make them for him).

Caveat: This isn't the same Luigi you met during your childhood. Let's just say that magic mushrooms don't exactly help our green protagonist this time around.

6. MAKE ME PLAY A SONG! - Interactive Piano

Mystery Guitar Man wants you to make him play a song -- will you disappoint? In this interactive video, you can click on piano keys and he'll play the corresponding note on his acoustic guitar.

7. 8-Bit Harry Potter (Interactive Game)

The adventures of the One Who Lived have finally caught up with him, and now Harry needs to take summer classes at Hogwarts. In this game, called Harry Potter and the Summer School Spectre, the title character and his friends -- in typical fashion -- work together to solve a magical mystery. You'll find yourself tapping your foot to the 8-bit, bass-heavy remixes, too.

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